The Polyend PRESS Analog Stereo Compressor is a fully analog stereo compressor pedal from Polyend, built around a transparent VCA (voltage-controlled amplifier) circuit. It takes and returns stereo signal over TRS jacks, and its standout feature is a stereo Sidechain control that Pedal of the Day describes as unique among analog compressor pedals1.
What it does
PRESS compresses stereo signal in one pedal. The Ratio knob sets the amount of compression, from subtle 2:1 compression up to limiting levels, so it can work as a gentle level smoother or as a limiter at the top of a chain1. Polyend's analog circuitry, as described in the review, provides transparent compression with a pristine response and high headroom, and the VCA design is said to preserve your tone without any unwanted coloration1.
The sidechain is the distinguishing control. A sidechain lets the compressor react to a separate signal, and Pedal of the Day writes that "PRESS features unique stereo Sidechain control that cannot be found in any other analog compressor pedal"1.
"the amazing sidechain functionality, the pure gorgeous analog sound, the PRESS Analog Stereo Compressor has got it all"
How it compares
Most compressor pedals work in mono; PRESS handles a full stereo signal over TRS jacks, which matters for players running stereo effects setups or stereo instruments. Where colored optical or FET-style compressors shape the tone as part of their character, PRESS is described as a transparent VCA design that leaves the tone untouched1.
What reviewers said
Pedal of the Day's August 2026 review found the pedal particularly intriguing, calling it a bonafide masterpiece and singling out the sidechain functionality and the pure gorgeous analog sound1.
Videos
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Stazma
Slow Haste
Questions
Is the Polyend PRESS analog or digital?
PRESS is a fully analog stereo compressor. Pedal of the Day's review describes it as a transparent VCA compressor, meaning the gain reduction is handled by analog circuitry rather than digital processing, and says the analog design provides transparent compression with a pristine response and high headroom.
What makes the Polyend PRESS different from other compressor pedals?
Its stereo sidechain control. Pedal of the Day writes that PRESS features unique stereo Sidechain control that cannot be found in any other analog compressor pedal. Combined with TRS stereo input and output and a ratio control that runs from subtle 2:1 compression up to limiting levels, it is aimed at players who want stereo compression in a pedal format.
Sources (1)
- Polyend PRESS Analog Stereo Compressor, Pedal of the Day, 2026-08-05
